Strong nonlinear electrostriction in PbZr_1−xSn_xO₃ antiferroelectric crystals with 0.11 < x < 0.35

Abstract

For antiferroelectric crystals of PbZr_{1− x} Sn _x O₃ with 0.11 < x < 0.35 the measurements of electrostrictive strain e ₁₁ have been performed in the paraelectric phase. The experiments showed a departure of the temperature dependence of the electrostrictive field-related coefficient M ₁₁(T ) from that expected by theory. A strong nonlinear increase in the polarization-related electrostrictive coefficient Q ₁₁ when approaching T_{ε max} has been found. This unusual behavior was related to the pre-transitional effects connected to the presence of polar micro/nanoregions. Nature and dynamics of these regions are directly related to the Sn concentration in the crystals.

Keywords:

• antiferroelectrics
• phase transitions
• electrostriction
• polar regions

Acknowledgement

This work was partially supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.